Overview

On the Genealogy of Morals: A Polemic. By way of clarification and supplement to my last book Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche, Douglas Smith

On the Genealogy of Morals (1887) is a book about interpretation and the history of ethics which raises profoundly disquieting issues about the violence of both. This is the most sustained of Nietzsche's later works and offers one of the fullest expressions of his characteristic concerns. The introduction places his ideas within the cultural context of his own time and stresses the relevance of his work for a contemporary audience.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

On the Genealogy of Morals (Barnes & Noble Library of Essential Reading) 4.2 out of 5based on
0 ratings.
5 reviews.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

In short, he provides an interesting perspective to an ongoing and incredibly complex problem, that being the story of morality. It's not to be taken as completely right or wrong, so keep that in mind.
Also, the other reviews are embarrassing... Let's get a couple things cleared up. 1) He is not anti-&quot;semetic.&quot; He sees that slave morality derives form Jewish hatred, but that does not mean that he is speaking out against, slave morality, Jews, or even hatred. 2) It is hard to read because in this &quot;book,&quot; he is expecting that you have read his other works critically, so there are a lot of references to be missed. Also, he is a philologist... he uses other words and roots from multiple languages to justify and convey his points, giving them validity from an eclectic use of language roots, if you will. 3) It's genius... Come on.
That's about that. I would highly suggest Nietzsche, just come back to this one when you have a better understanding of him, or you will be disappointed, as Cobalt_TiNor was, which is why the two star rating is not deserved (because of ignorance).

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Cobalt_TiNor

More than 1 year ago

I don't know if it was just Nietzsche's writing or Horace B. Samuels translation.... but this book was very difficult to read. I understand that it was translated from German or whatever but why is there an entire paragraph in Latin and various sentences and quotes from multiple different languages.
Other than the difficulty reading it and Nietzsche just being biased, it was an interesting book, not sure if I'm interested in reading more of his stuff but I know I will.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

This man is a great. I strongly suggest reading his numerous works. His insight on humankind is spectacular. I recommend this to all seeking knowledge and wisom. Philosophy is an eye-opening path of self importance and Nietzsche is the PERFECT religious philosopher for those wishing to explore their options.

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